Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Overview

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is a stunning ensemble of mausoleums and other buildings located in the historic city of Samarkand. It is renowned for its intricate tile work and architectural beauty, representing a significant site of Islamic religious architecture and art.

The site is believed to house the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a revered place of pilgrimage. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the larger 'Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures' designation.

Historical Site Religious Site

Location

Address

Shah-i-Zinda Street, Samarkand

Neighborhood: Shah-i-Zinda Historic Complex

Coordinates

39.688200, 66.978200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$5 (150,000 UZS)

Children

Free for children under 10

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm, pleasant

• Blooming gardens
• Spring festivals

summer

Hot, dry

• Extended visiting hours
• Cultural performances

autumn

Cool, pleasant

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold, occasionally snowy

• Festive decorations
• Winter markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect religious customs and dress modestly
Carry water and sunscreen in summer
Check for special events and festivals

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Water bottle Modest clothing

seasonal

Jacket in winter Umbrella in spring

not allowed

Large bags Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking on uneven surfaces)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Be cautious of slippery surfaces in winter

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site, nearest hospital 5 km away

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard)

Currency

Uzbekistan Som (UZS)

Typical Costs

entry $5 (150,000 UZS)

parking $2 (50,000 UZS)

food $10 (300,000 UZS)

souvenirs $15 (450,000 UZS)

Dress Code

Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees), Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes recommended, Revealing clothing, Beachwear

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance during peak season
• Official website or trusted travel agencies
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for purchase online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Samarkand Guide

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Information about nearby attractions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center, cafe areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Samarkand International Airport (SKD)

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

taxi

$10-15 20-30 min

bus

$2-3 30-40 min

From City Center

Distance: 2-3 km

taxi

$3-5 10-15 min

bus

$0.50 20-25 min

walking

30-40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historical and religious significance, beautiful architecture, and a sense of tranquility

Historical Significance: The site is believed to house the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, and is a revered place of pilgrimage. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the larger 'Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures' designation.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the site in peace
The local cafes near the site serve delicious traditional dishes at reasonable prices
Some mausoleums may be closed for restoration, but the site is still worth visiting for its beauty and history.

Local Recommendations

• Try local plov (rice dish) at a nearby cafe
• Visit the nearby Registan Square for more historical sites
• Ask for a local guide to learn more about the site's history and legends

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Salom

thank_you Rahmat

where_is Qayer?

how_much Qanch?

beautiful Go'zal

ticket Bilet

Guide Languages: Uzbek, Russian, English, Other European languages

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance with tiled facade

Best Time: Golden hour in the late afternoon

Tips: Capture the intricate tile work with a wide-angle lens

Result: Stunning photographs of the intricate tile work and architectural details

#Shah-i-Zinda #Samarkand #Uzbekistan #Travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, general visiting areas

prohibited areas Inside mausoleums, restricted zones

flash photography Not allowed in all areas, check signs

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas only

selfie sticks Allowed but use with discretion

Nearby Attractions

Registan Square

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical Site

Gur-e-Amir

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Mausoleum

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Mosque

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds"
"Hire a local guide for a more enriching experience"
"Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for walking."

Contact Information

+998 66 237 11 00

info@shahizinda.uz

www.shahizinda.uz

Social Media

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